GEOLOGY 101 - PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
SPRING 2013
Online hybrid class with three lab days scheduled at USCA.
Dr. Allen Dennis
Office Hours: W, 8-10.
224 Science; 641-3396 allend@usca.edu
Other times by appointment
(please write AGLY 101 at the start of your subject line!)
Texts: Earth: Portrait of a Planet, 4th ed., Marshak. Blackboard (via VIP) will be used extensively.
January
T1
February
T2
T3
March
T4
15
17
Plate Tectonics
Atomic structure, ions, bonding
22
24
Minerals
Silicate minerals
104-129
122-123
29
30
31
Solid Solution
WPP due for Spring 13
Bowen's Reaction Series
130-138, 139-153
5
7
Volcanoes and plutons
Igneous rocks
153-167
249-285
12
14
Igneous rocks
Weathering
159-183
19
21
Weathering
Sedimentary rocks-clastics
185-189
26
28
Sedimentary Facies
Chemical sedimentary rocks
195-211
188-195
Tectonics
Metamorphic rocks
Last date to drop with a grade of W
213-238
5
7
8
12/14
35-54, 58-76, 78-101, 239-45
A-2 -4, 104-129
SPRING BREAK
19
21
Metamorphic rocks
Earthquakes
366-383
287-340, A6-7
26
28
Earthquakes
Stream Processes
526-539, 569-607
2
4
Stream Processes
Groundwater
647-678
9
11
Groundwater - Karst
Alpine Glaciation
743-766
16
18
Continental Glaciation
Paleoclimate
766-783
23
Coastal Geology
25
Coastal Geology
T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 Approximate dates of texts for AGLY 101.
620-645
April
T5
T6
My objective for this class is that you learn a system of knowledge about earth materials and the processes that
are responsible for their formation. Because geology is an applied science, elements of chemistry, physics and
mathematics are required. Laboratory exercises stress practice of skills and methods of problem-solving that
geologists use. Field trips are essential for making observations about the physical processes that are active on
earth, and applying lecture material. Frequent tests will allow you to monitor your progress in mastering this
system of applied knowledge.
If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that might affect your performance in this
class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, B&E 134, (803) 643-6816, as soon as possible. The
Office of Disability Services will determine appropriate accommodations based on documentation.
Good writing is valued in this course. Please remember that written work that you produce in this class can be
included in your rising junior writing portfolio. For further information on the portfolio requirement
please consult your USCA Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin or visit Dr. Lynne Rhodes, Director of
Writing Assessment, or Director of the Writing Room.
Grading: There will be six 30 minute exams (40 pts) scheduled approximately biweekly and a final (80 pts).
Weekly exercises will be assigned that will cover your text reading and/or map skills using Google Earth.
Laboratory: 120 pts may be scored in laboratory sessions scheduled Saturdays Feb 9, March 2 and March 30.
Work in the laboratory and field trips will both occur in the lab sessions. Scores will be based on written
lab exercises. Lab attendance is mandatory.
240
Six exams
47%
80
Final
16%
140
Weekly Exercises
6%
120
Lab Grade (Feb 2, Mar 2, Mar 30)
31%
580
Total Possible Points
Your grade will be assigned according to your total points: A > 522; B > 464; C > 406; D > 348; F < 348.